Being jerked around by a collections agent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Update as of yesterday:

I sent a check for the amount they offered in their letter (60% off letter). They refused it and sent it back. They didn't state in the letter why they refused it and they didn't mention the offer even though I included it with the letter. They only said "call us at your earlier convenience." They called me twice at work today and the second time I called them back and told them never to call me on the phone again (especially at work) and if they have something to say to say it in writing. So, does anyone know what I can expect next? What should I do at this point?

STOP TRYING TO DEAL WITH THIS ON YOUR OWN. GET A CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWYER. I am sorry for yelling but I said this many times above and you apparently haven't done it yet.

No, I heard you. I thought I replied to you when you said it a while back but maybe it was someone else. I asked if it would be worth hiring a lawyer since the debt is only $2100.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Update as of yesterday:

I sent a check for the amount they offered in their letter (60% off letter). They refused it and sent it back. They didn't state in the letter why they refused it and they didn't mention the offer even though I included it with the letter. They only said "call us at your earlier convenience." They called me twice at work today and the second time I called them back and told them never to call me on the phone again (especially at work) and if they have something to say to say it in writing. So, does anyone know what I can expect next? What should I do at this point?

STOP TRYING TO DEAL WITH THIS ON YOUR OWN. GET A CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWYER. I am sorry for yelling but I said this many times above and you apparently haven't done it yet.

No, I heard you. I thought I replied to you when you said it a while back but maybe it was someone else. I asked if it would be worth hiring a lawyer since the debt is only $2100.

The point is that you may have a claim under the FDCPA in which case the debt collector has to pay YOU $1000 (plus your atty's fees).

What jurisdiction do you live in, again? If it's VA, I've half a mind to tell you to just call my office...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Update as of yesterday:

I sent a check for the amount they offered in their letter (60% off letter). They refused it and sent it back. They didn't state in the letter why they refused it and they didn't mention the offer even though I included it with the letter. They only said "call us at your earlier convenience." They called me twice at work today and the second time I called them back and told them never to call me on the phone again (especially at work) and if they have something to say to say it in writing. So, does anyone know what I can expect next? What should I do at this point?

STOP TRYING TO DEAL WITH THIS ON YOUR OWN. GET A CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWYER. I am sorry for yelling but I said this many times above and you apparently haven't done it yet.

No, I heard you. I thought I replied to you when you said it a while back but maybe it was someone else. I asked if it would be worth hiring a lawyer since the debt is only $2100.

The point is that you may have a claim under the FDCPA in which case the debt collector has to pay YOU $1000 (plus your atty's fees).

What jurisdiction do you live in, again? If it's VA, I've half a mind to tell you to just call my office...

OK I get your message clearly now. I will definitely call an attorney. I live in DC unfortunately. Do you have a recommendation for someone that practices in DC?

[Anonymous]

Just pay what you owe them. The amount of time and effort you are spending to get this reduced could be spent actually earning the money. I've been in the same situation and while it took me more than 6 months to pay it back, I paid as much as I possibly could every month. They probably sent you the letter just to get you to call them. Now they have your contact numbers. Make arrangements to pay off the debt.

[Anonymous]

If you pay them with your checking account, after the check clears, get a new account. Or you may notice money removed from your account from time to time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you pay them with your checking account, after the check clears, get a new account. Or you may notice money removed from your account from time to time.

+ 1. I am not an expert, but I would not use a check with my account number and all the info to get money out of the account. I would use a money order or something like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you pay them with your checking account, after the check clears, get a new account. Or you may notice money removed from your account from time to time.

No-one would make that comment about a legitimate business. But there's nothing legit about these debt collectors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you pay them with your checking account, after the check clears, get a new account. Or you may notice money removed from your account from time to time.

No-one would make that comment about a legitimate business. But there's nothing legit about these debt collectors.

They would need a court order to garnish my wages and I think in this situation no judge would grant that. I've been working with them and tried to pay this off.

[Anonymous]

Just call them every day. Tell them "I have $X and no more than that. Would you like $X?" If they yell, hang up. Call back the next day. Stay calm, no reason to get freaked out. If they want to sue you it'll take months. Just keep telling them "Here's how much I have. If you want some money, you'll take it. If not, I'll you again tomorrow."

When they take your offer, which they WILL (once they see that they can't rile you up), get it in writing - email or snail mail are both fine. DO NOT LET THEM HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT. Send them a cashier's check with a copy of their written agreement stapled to it. Keep a copy for yourself FOREVER.

You don't need a lawyer to deal with something so simple. Stay calm, make offers, call back, bide your time. Good luck.